Co-molded sealing ring for use in an electrical fitting, and a raintight compression connector and raintight compression coupler incorporating a co-molded sealing ring

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 15/079,148 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,787,070 filed on Mar. 24, 2016, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/068,663 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,343,883 filed on Oct. 31, 2013, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/142,150 filed on Apr. 2, 2015. The contents of all of these applications are also hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002This invention is directed to a co-molded sealing ring for use in an electrical fitting, including a raintight compression connector for securing electrical metallic tubing (EMT), or rigid metallic conduit (RMC) to an electrical enclosure and to a raintight compression coupler for securing two EMT's or RMC's to each other. The invention is thus with respect to a co-molded sealing ring, taken alone or in combination with a raintight compression connector or a raintight compression coupler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003Various types of raintight electrical connectors have been developed for securing electrical metallic tubing to an electrical enclosure, such as a junction box or the like. Corresponding raintight electrical couplers have also been developed for securing two EMT's or RMC's (sometimes collectively referred to herein as conduit) to each other. Existing connectors and couplers may use a sealing ring for preventing water intrusion between the outer surface of the EMT or RMC and an electrical enclosure or other EMT or RMC. It has been observed that existing connectors and couplers may have difficulty maintaining a raintight connection due to sealing surface imperfections of the EMT or RMC outside diameters, especially with larger diameter trade sizes. A co-molded sealing ring according to the present invention is able to achieve improved raintight capability for such electrical fittings without the need for an additional sealing ring and/or stop seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004The present invention relates to co-molded sealing ring for use in an electrical fitting, the co-molded sealing ring having an uncompressed state and a compressed state, the co-molded sealing ring comprising a first segment formed from thermoplastic elastomer and a second segment co-molded to the first segment, formed from a medium-density polyethylene material attached at an end thereof to an end of the first segment, wherein a space formed between the first segment and an inner surface of a connector body of the electrical fitting when the co-molded sealing ring is in the uncompressed state, is at least partially filled by a portion of the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in the compressed state, wherein said second segment has an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface of the second segment dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state so that said first segment forms a seal between the inner surface of the connector body and an outer surface of a conduit positioned within the connector body.

0005Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the first segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in a bore of the connector body.

0006Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the second segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a sloping surface extending away from a lower surface of the second segment, said sloping surface dimensioned to contact a portion of the inner surface of the connector body.

0007A further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the first segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a circumferential rim at said end of said first segment and a circumferential notch near said end of the first segment and wherein the second segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a circumferential rim at said end of said second segment and a circumferential notch near said end of the second segment, said first segment circumferential rim interfitting with the circumferential notch of the second segment and the second segment circumferential rim interfitting with the circumferential notch of the first segment.

0008A further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein a lower surface of the first segment is smooth and the lower surface of the second segment is smooth.

0009A still further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the electrical fitting is a raintight compression connector.

0010A further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the electrical fitting is a raintight compression coupler.

0011Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the co-molded sealing ring has first, second and third regions, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in a bore of the connector body and the third region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact an inner surface of the connector body, wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and a second portion of the lower surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed states is at least partially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment co-molded to the first segment, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body; whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state.

0012Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the lower surface of the first segment is smooth and the lower surface of the second segment is smooth.

0013Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring for use in an electrical fitting as described above, the co-molded sealing ring having a first region, a second region and a third region, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the region having a first sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in a bore of a connector body of said electrical fitting and the third region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact an inner surface of the connector body, wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is at least partially filled by the first segment when the sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment co-molded to the first segment, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body; whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state.

0014Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the first segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a circumferential rim at an end thereof positioned away from the first sloping surface and a circumferential notch near said end positioned away from the first sloping surface and wherein the second segment of the co-molded sealing ring has a circumferential rim at an end thereof positioned away from said end surface and a circumferential notch near said end positioned away from the surface, said first segment circumferential rim interfitting with the circumferential notch of the second segment and the second segment circumferential rim interfitting with the circumferential notch of the first segment.

0015A further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the lower surface of the first segment is smooth and the lower surface of the second segment is smooth.

0016A still further embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the electrical fitting is a raintight compression connector.

0017Another embodiment of the present invention is the co-molded sealing ring as described above, wherein the electrical fitting is a raintight compression coupler.

0018Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector, comprising a connector body having a first portion and a second portion and a bore extending through the first portion and the second portion, the first portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit in said bore; a gland nut having internal threads dimensioned for threaded engagement with first external threads formed in the first portion at the first end; a gland ring dimensioned for contact with the gland nut so as to secure the gland nut and the first portion of the connector body to the conduit when the conduit is inserted into the first portion; a co-molded sealing ring dimensioned for contact with the first portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the conduit when the conduit is inserted into the first portion, said co-molded sealing ring having first, second and third regions, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a first sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a third sloping surface dimensioned to contact an inner surface of the first portion of the connector body, wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is at least partially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body; whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state, wherein the connector body has an outer flange and wherein the second portion of the connector body is dimensioned for receipt of a knockout gasket, the second portion having second external threads dimensioned for receipt of a locknut for securing the knockout gasket positioned around a knockout hole in an electrical enclosure between said outer flange and the electrical enclosure, thereby forming a raintight seal therewith.

0019Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the slope of said third sloping surface is approximately ten degrees relative to the lower surface of the co-molded sealing ring.

0020A further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the slope of said first sloping surface is approximately thirty degrees relative to the lower surface of the co-molded sealing ring.

0021A further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the second region has a second sloping surface and wherein the slope of the second sloping surface is approximately two degrees relative to the lower surface of the co-molded sealing ring.

0022A still further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the co-molded sealing ring has an overall length and the third region of said co-molded sealing ring is approximately twenty-three percent of said overall length.

0023Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the first region of said co-molded sealing ring is approximately six and one-half percent of said overall length of the co-molded sealing ring.

0024Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression connector as described above, wherein the co-molded sealing ring has an uncompressed cross-sectional profile substantially as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.

0025Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler, comprising a connector body having a first portion and a second portion and a bore extending through the first portion and the second portion, the first portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit in said bore, the first portion having a first end and a second end and the second portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit in said bore, the second portion having a first end and a second end, a first gland nut having internal threads dimensioned for threaded engagement with first external threads formed in the first portion at its first end, a first gland ring dimensioned for contact with the first gland nut so as to secure the first gland nut and the first portion of the connector body to the first conduit when the first conduit is inserted into the first portion, a first co-molded sealing ring dimensioned for contact with the first portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the first conduit when the first conduit is inserted into the first portion, said first co-molded sealing ring having a first, second and third region, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact an inner surface of the first portion of the connector body, wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is substantially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body, whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state, and a second gland nut having internal threads dimensioned for threaded engagement with second external threads formed in the second portion at its first end, a second gland ring dimensioned for contact with the second gland nut so as to secure the second gland nut and the second portion of the connector body to the second conduit when the second conduit is inserted into the second portion, and a second co-molded sealing ring dimensioned for contact with the second portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the second conduit when the second conduit is inserted into the second portion, said second co-molded sealing ring having a first, second and third region, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact an inner surface of the second portion of the connector body wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is at least partially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body, whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state.

0026Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the slopes of said third sloping surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and the third sloping surface of the second co-molded sealing ring are approximately ten degrees relative to the lower surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and the lower surface of the second co-molded sealing ring respectively.

0027A further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the slopes of the first sloping surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and the first sloping surface of the co-molded second sealing ring are approximately thirty degrees relative to the lower surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and a lower surface of the second co-molded sealing ring respectively.

0028A further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the second region of the first co-molded sealing ring and the second region of the second co-molded sealing ring each has a second sloping surface and wherein the slopes of the second sloping surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and the second sloping surface of the second co-molded sealing ring are approximately two degrees relative to the lower surface of the first co-molded sealing ring and the lower surface of the second co-molded sealing ring respectively.

0029A still further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the first co-molded sealing ring and the second co-molded sealing ring each has an overall length and the third region of said first and second co-molded sealing rings are each approximately twenty-three percent of said overall length.

0030A further embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the first region of said first co-molded sealing ring and said second co-molded sealing ring are each approximately six and one-half percent of said respective overall length of the first and second co-molded sealing rings.

0031Another embodiment of the present invention is the raintight compression coupler as described above, wherein the first co-molded sealing ring and the second co-molded sealing ring each has an uncompressed cross-sectional profile substantially as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of the raintight compression connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector attached to an electrical enclosure.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of an electrical metallic tubing (EMT) or Rigid Metallic Conduit (RMC) inserted into the raintight compression connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a side view of the raintight compression connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the raintight compression connector taken along line <b>4</b>-<b>4</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the raintight compression connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrating how the EMT or RMC is advanced in the direction shown by an arrow so as to contact a secondary sealing seal.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the components of the raintight compression connector.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of a raintight compression coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupler attached to two EMT's or RMC's.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the raintight compression coupler shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> without the EMTs or RMC's attached.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the raintight compression coupler without the gland nuts attached.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the raintight compression coupler taken along line <b>10</b>-<b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, showing the EMT's or RMC's and stop seals in dashed lines when the conduits are inserted into the coupler, the latter as deformed by the EMTs or RMC's so as to form a substantially raintight seal therewith.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side view of a raintight compression connector incorporating an improved upper sealing ring according to the present invention.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the raintight compression connector taken along line <b>12</b>-<b>12</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken in the region of circle <b>13</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along circle <b>14</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> showing the conduit stop seal in its compressed configuration.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a side view of the upper sealing ring according to the present invention.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> is a top plan view of the upper sealing ring shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the upper sealing ring taken along line <b>16</b>-<b>16</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the profile of the upper sealing ring taken along circle <b>17</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a top plan view of the connector body forming part of the raintight compression connector.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the connector body taken along line <b>19</b>-<b>19</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an enlarged view of a portion of the connector body taken around circle <b>20</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a side view of an electrical fitting (raintight compression connector) incorporating a co-molded sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the electrical fitting shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> taken along line <b>22</b>-<b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical fitting shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> taken along circle <b>23</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, showing the co-molded sealing ring in an uncompressed state.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is an enlarged view of the portion of the electrical fitting shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, showing the co-molded sealing ring in a compressed state.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a side view of the co-molded sealing ring in the uncompressed state.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a top plan view of the co-molded sealing ring shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>.

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the co-molded sealing ring taken along line <b>27</b>-<b>27</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the profile of the co-molded sealing ring taken along circle <b>28</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0061The present invention, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-28</figref>, is an improvement to what is called an upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ as discussed initially below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-20</figref>. This improvement is a co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* and is described below following the discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-20</figref>.

0062As discussed in applicant's co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/079,148, the prior invention discussed therein is directed to an improved upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ forming part of a raintight compression connector <b>20</b> or a raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>′ as discussed below.

0063Prior Improved Upper Sealing Ring (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-20</figref>)

0064As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an embodiment of a raintight compression connector <b>20</b> according to the prior invention is configured for receipt of an electrical metallic tubing or rigid metallic conduit (EMT or RMC) <b>22</b> (collectively referred to as conduit) so as to form a raintight seal between the EMT or RMC and an electrical enclosure <b>24</b> to which the compression connector is attached through a knockout hole (see, for example, knockout hole <b>39</b>). Such a raintight compression connector is typically used in applications where the electrical enclosure <b>24</b> is exposed to water, such as an outdoor environment where rain is present from time to time. It is known in the art that RMC is similar to EMC, but has a greater wall thickness and is therefore typically used in what are considered in the electrical contractor industry as heavy-duty applications.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> show the components of the raintight compression connector. These components include a connector body <b>32</b> having a first portion <b>47</b> and a second portion <b>49</b> and a bore <b>33</b> extending through the first portion and the second portion. The raintight compression connector also includes a gland nut <b>26</b>, a gland ring <b>28</b> (also referred to as a split compression ring), an upper sealing ring <b>30</b>, as well as a knockout gasket <b>34</b>, a locknut <b>36</b> and a conduit stop seal <b>38</b>. The connector body, gland nut and locknut are typically fabricated from a die cast zinc alloy. Other materials and fabrication techniques could be used as known to those skilled in the art.

0066The gland ring <b>28</b> and upper sealing ring <b>30</b> are dimensioned to be secured against an outer surface <b>23</b> of EMT or RMC <b>22</b> as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>. The gland ring is typically manufactured from zinc plated spring steel while the upper sealing ring is typically manufactured from thermoplastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The gland nut has threads <b>27</b> that interfit with threads <b>42</b> formed at a first end <b>46</b> of first end portion <b>47</b>. The gland nut when threaded onto threads <b>42</b> compresses the gland ring <b>28</b> which in turn bites into outer surface <b>23</b> of conduit <b>22</b> and also presses against upper sealing ring <b>30</b>.

0067As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, conduit <b>22</b> is thus inserted into an open end <b>46</b> of connector body <b>32</b> until it engages with the stop seal <b>38</b>. Arrow <b>56</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates the direction of movement of the conduit so that it presses into and forms a seal with stop seal <b>38</b> when the conduit is pressed into the stop seal against shoulder <b>44</b>. Shoulder <b>44</b> is sometimes referred to as a conduit stop. The stop seal is dimensioned to thereby form a slight annular bulge <b>50</b> as shown in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, thereby forming a watertight seal with conduit terminating face <b>52</b>. Because the stop seal is pliable in nature, it can accommodate slight diameter tolerance variations for EMT or RMC <b>22</b>. It can also tolerate out-of-round conditions of the conduit. Furthermore, it especially can accommodate the terminating face <b>52</b> of the EMT or RMC being slightly skewed (not at a right angle) relative to the longitudinal axis <b>54</b> of the EMT or RMC (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). Such skewing of the terminating face <b>52</b> can occur in the field when EMT or RMC is cut by hand, for example. Thus, the stop seal forms a secondary seal to prevent water intrusion into bore <b>33</b> of conduit <b>22</b>.

0068The stop seal may be molded from silicone or other pliable material, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) class synthetic rubber. Other types of elastomer synthetic rubber or other pliable material may of course be used. The stop seal can be secured to shoulder <b>44</b> of connector body <b>32</b>, as well as to the inner peripheral wall <b>55</b> of the connector body by use of a cyanoacrylate type glue or a silicone-based adhesive. Other means, including the use of other types of adhesives, for securing the stop seal to the connector body would of course be apparent to those skilled in the art. It can also be seated against shoulder <b>44</b> and inner peripheral wall <b>55</b> without the use of an adhesive, such as by frictional contact.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3, 4, and 5</figref> show how the raintight compression connector <b>20</b> is secured to an electrical enclosure <b>24</b> or other type of electrical housing or connecting body. Thus, knockout gasket <b>34</b> is compressed against the exterior of the electrical enclosure outer wall surface <b>35</b> by threaded engagement of locknut <b>36</b> with threads <b>37</b> formed in the second end portion <b>49</b> of connector body <b>32</b>. This arrangement thereby pulls an outer flange <b>41</b> of connector body <b>32</b> against knockout gasket <b>34</b>, which in turn forms a raintight seal against outer wall surface <b>35</b> of electrical enclosure <b>24</b>. Outer flange <b>41</b> may have a multi-sided configuration with flat portions <b>68</b> to facilitate gripping during installation. Knockout gasket <b>34</b> typically is formed from a steel washer <b>64</b> having faces <b>67</b>, with a pliable material <b>66</b> molded to at least a portion of both faces <b>67</b>. The pliable material can be polyethylene, for example.

0070Although upper sealing ring <b>30</b> forms a primary seal to block the intrusion of water, it has been discovered that this primary seal may still allow some water entry beyond the seal region, which as discussed below is remedied by an improved sealing ring <b>30</b>′ according to the present invention. For large conduit trade sizes, such as 3.5 inch and 4 inch outer diameter (OD) conduit, there can be surface roughness and/or variation of conduit outer diameter (OD) (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) which can be accommodated by an improved upper sealing ring according to the present invention. The prior invention discloses an improved upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-17</figref> that has a profile that can accommodate such surface roughness and/or OD tolerance variations of the conduit so as to allow the overall fitting <b>20</b> to meet Underwriter Laboratories raintight test number UL514 RT or similar type tests.

0071The prior invention improvement is that the upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-13</figref> is configured to have a non-compressed cross-sectional shape as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-17</figref>. It has been experimentally determined that this profile of upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ facilitates the overall raintight operation of the raintight compression connector and raintight compression coupler, especially with regard to meeting Underwriter Laboratories test UL514B RT, and that this improved upper sealing ring is particularly advantageous for raintight compression connectors and raintight compression couplers in the 3.5 inch and 4 inch sizes (and other large trade sizes) associated with electrical metallic tubing (EMT) and the like.

0072As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13, and 15-17</figref>, the prior invention improved sealing ring <b>30</b>′ has three regions <b>70</b>, <b>71</b> and <b>72</b>. The first region has a first sloping surface <b>69</b> that is configured to contact a recess shoulder <b>53</b> of connector body <b>32</b>. The upper sealing ring second region <b>71</b> is formed between first region <b>70</b> and third region <b>72</b>. The third region has a third sloping surface <b>77</b> as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-17</figref>. This sloping surface is compressed so as to make contact with inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b> when the upper sealing ring <b>32</b> is urged in the direction of arrow <b>56</b> by gland ring <b>28</b> as the gland ring is forced in that direction by the threaded tightening of gland nut <b>26</b>. The gland ring presses end surface <b>43</b> of the upper sealing ring. The end surface acts as a bearing surface that drives third sloping surface into the space between the inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b> and the outer surface <b>23</b> of conduit <b>22</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>). As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, outer surface <b>79</b> (second sloping surface) of second region <b>71</b> also makes contact with inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b>. As such contact with the connector body occurs, the flat lower surface <b>76</b> of the upper sealing ring makes contact with outer surface <b>23</b> of conduit <b>22</b>.

0073It has been experimentally discovered that due to the overall profile of upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′, a raintight seal can be achieved for large trade size conduit, including in the 3½ inch outer diameter (OD) and four inch OD trade sizes, which can have a significant tolerance variation in outer diameter and which can have significant roughness to the outer surface <b>23</b> of the conduit.

0074For a four inch trade size upper sealing ring shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-17</figref>, first sloping surface <b>69</b> has a slope of approximately 30 degrees (±0.5 degree) relative to surface <b>76</b> of the upper sealing ring, second sloping surface <b>79</b> has a slope of approximately 0.85 degree (±0.5 degree), and third sloping surface <b>77</b> has a slope of approximately 10 degrees (±0.5 degree). The relative length of first region <b>70</b>, second region <b>71</b> and third region <b>72</b> to overall length <b>80</b> of upper sealing ring <b>30</b> is 6.5 percent, 70.2 percent and 23.3 percent.

0075Slight variation in the above-described profile of upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ is possible while achieving raintight sealing of the conduit by the compression connector, but the profile of the upper sealing ring as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-17</figref> is the preferred profile. These preferred dimensions of the prior invention improved upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ are with respect to connector body dimensions shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18-20</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows connector body <b>32</b> for use with a four inch trade size conduit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <b>19</b>-<b>19</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, while <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows an enlarged view of recess shoulder <b>53</b> and first end <b>46</b> of first portion <b>47</b> of the connector body <b>32</b>. It is there seen that the recess shoulder has a slope of 15 degrees (±0.5 degree) relative to longitudinal axis <b>54</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) and first end <b>46</b> has a chamfered configuration with an angle of 30 degrees (±0.5 degrees) relative to axis <b>54</b>.

0076The first portion <b>47</b> starting at recess shoulder <b>53</b> has an overall length designated by reference numeral <b>84</b>. With respect to this overall length, the recess shoulder has a relative length <b>86</b> of 8 percent, first end <b>46</b> has a relative length <b>88</b> of 16 percent, and middle section <b>90</b> has a relative length <b>92</b> of 76 percent. Middle section <b>90</b> also has a slope (second sloping surface <b>79</b>) of 2 degrees (±0.5 degree) relative to axis <b>54</b>.

0077As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13, 19 and 20</figref>, threaded tightening of gland nut <b>26</b> onto connector body <b>32</b> urges gland ring <b>28</b> to move in the direction of arrow <b>56</b>. As described above, gland nut <b>26</b> when threaded onto threads <b>42</b> compresses gland ring <b>28</b> which in turn bites into outer surface <b>23</b> of conduit <b>22</b> and also presses against end surface <b>43</b> (edge) of upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′ (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>). This urging of the upper sealing ring forces first sloping surface <b>69</b> into contact with recess shoulder <b>53</b> formed in first end portion <b>47</b> of connector body <b>32</b> (in cutout region <b>51</b>). This urging of the upper sealing ring against recess shoulder <b>53</b> thus causes the upper sealing ring first sloping surface <b>69</b> to press against inner surface <b>78</b> of first portion <b>47</b> and for lower surface <b>76</b> of the upper sealing ring to press against outer surface <b>23</b> of EMT or RMC <b>22</b>. In addition, third sloping surface <b>77</b> also presses against inner surface <b>78</b> while a portion of second sloping surface <b>79</b> may similarly presses against inner surface <b>78</b>. This is best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>.

0078This arrangement of components allows the raintight compression connector to accommodate the allowed nominal variations in outer diameters of conduit <b>22</b>, as well as variations in the outer surface conditions (roughness) of the conduit and out-of-round conditions of the conduit (that may result from clamping the conduit, dropping the conduit, etc.), while maintaining a sealed relationship between the raintight compression connector and the conduit.

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-10</figref> show another embodiment of the prior invention directed to a raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>′. The coupler is for connection to two EMTs or RMC's <b>22</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows that the coupler has a first portion <b>47</b>′ corresponding to first portion <b>47</b> of raintight compression connector <b>20</b>. Second portion <b>49</b>′ is the mirror image of first portion <b>47</b>′. Flange <b>41</b>′ is positioned at the junction of first portion <b>47</b>′ and second portion <b>49</b>′. It has a multi-sided configuration with flat portions <b>68</b> to facilitate gripping during installation. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>′ has gland rings <b>28</b>, upper sealing rings <b>30</b>, and stop seals <b>38</b> corresponding to those components for raintight compression connector <b>20</b>, with corresponding components for both first portion <b>47</b>′ and second portion <b>49</b>′. The prior invention improvement to these upper sealing rings <b>30</b>′ is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-17</figref> as described above. Shoulder (conduit stop) <b>44</b> is at the second end <b>48</b>′ of first portion <b>47</b>′ and at second end <b>60</b> of second portion <b>49</b>′. The stop seals for the first and second portion <b>47</b>′ and <b>49</b>′ are positioned against this shoulder and secured to connector body <b>32</b>′ typically by use of a cyanoacrylate type glue or silicone-based adhesive. Although one shoulder is shown, two separate shoulders with a space therebetween could be used. Second external threads <b>37</b>′ are formed in second portion <b>49</b>′ at first end <b>58</b> thereof.

0080Each conduit <b>22</b> is therefore secured to raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>′ in the same manner as conduit <b>22</b> is secured to raintight compression connector <b>22</b>. For both connector <b>20</b> and coupler <b>20</b>′, a raintight securement of an EMT or RMC is achieved in a manner that accommodates tolerance variations in the outer diameter of the EMT or RMC, variations in outer surface conditions of the EMT or RMC, out-of-round conditions of the EMT and skewed terminating face conditions of the EMT or RMC.

0081Co-Molded Sealing Ring <b>30</b>*

0082The improvement of the present invention is with respect to an improved sealing ring <b>30</b>*. This sealing ring is a co-molded sealing ring (described below) and is used in conjunction with electrical fittings, including a raintight compression connector <b>20</b> as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and a raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>′ as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-9</figref>. This co-molded sealing ring is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-28</figref> and can be used in electrical fittings, including both raintight compression connectors and raintight compression couplers as described above. Thus, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a raintight compression connector <b>20</b>* corresponding to the raintight compression connector <b>20</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a cross-sectional view of this raintight compression connector <b>20</b>* taken along line <b>22</b>-<b>22</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>.

0083In this view, the co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* is shown in an uncompressed state. This uncompressed state of the sealing ring and associated components of the raintight compression connector are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, an enlarged view taken along circle <b>23</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* is fabricated from two materials, a first segment <b>100</b> fabricated from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubber, and a second segment <b>102</b> fabricated from a medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) material. The TPE material is readily deformable, while the MDPE material is harder than the TPE material and thus is less deformable as compared to the TPE material. The two segments of the sealing ring are co-molded to each other. To facilitate the co-molding (joining) of the two segments of the sealing ring, the first segment has a circumferential rim <b>106</b> at one end thereof and a circumferential notch <b>108</b> adjacent the rim. A similar circumferential rim <b>110</b> is formed at an end of the second segment along with a circumferential notch <b>112</b> adjacent thereto. These details are best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23-25, 27 and 28</figref>. The first segment has a lower surface <b>76</b> and the second segment has a lower surface <b>76</b>′, both of which are preferably smooth and adjacent each other.

0084The co-molding of the first and second segments to each other can be accomplished with other configurations with respect to the adjoining ends of the first and second segments, such as without using a rim and notch on each segment but, for example, abutting each segment to the other segment. The rim and notch arrangement is a preferred embodiment of the co-molded sealing ring.

0085As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, when gland nut <b>26</b> is tightened about connector body <b>32</b> so as to move gland ring <b>28</b> in the direction of arrow <b>56</b>, the gland ring contacts an end surface <b>43</b> of second segment <b>102</b>, thereby urging the first section <b>100</b> into contact with the inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b>, including recess shoulder <b>53</b> (see also <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>), thereby at least partially filling a space <b>120</b> formed between first segment <b>100</b> and the inner surface <b>78</b> of the connector body. It has been determined that when the co-molded sealing ring is in the compressed state as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, the first segment <b>100</b> at least partially fills space <b>120</b> so as to form a raintight seal between the inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b> and outer surface <b>23</b> of conduit <b>22</b>. This raintight seal can be achieved without the use of a stop seal, such as stop seal <b>38</b> shown in a prior embodiment as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Thus, as see in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the conduit <b>22</b> can abut shoulder <b>44</b> of the connector body without use of such a stop seal.

0086The co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* can have first, second and third regions <b>70</b>, <b>71</b> and <b>72</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-28</figref> with sloping surfaces <b>69</b>, <b>79</b> and <b>77</b> respectively corresponding to those discussed previously with regard to upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′. The difference between the co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* in this embodiment and the previously-described upper sealing ring <b>30</b>′, is the use of the TPE material in the first segment of the sealing ring and the MDPE material in the second segment of the sealing ring. Although the first sloping surface <b>69</b> of co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* is shown to contact recess shoulder <b>53</b> of the inner surface <b>78</b> of connector body <b>32</b> with the connector body having a shape as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, an embodiment of the co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* fabricated from the TPE and MDPE materials may also be used with a connector body <b>32</b> not having an inner surface <b>78</b> with the specific dimensions shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>. The co-molded sealing ring may have first and second segments <b>100</b> and <b>102</b> without all or some of regions <b>70</b>, <b>71</b> and <b>72</b> and their corresponding sloping surfaces <b>69</b>, <b>79</b> and <b>77</b>.

0087Thus, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-22</figref> (see also <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3 and 18-20</figref> for reference numerals) the present invention is also directed to a raintight compression connector <b>20</b>* comprising a connector body <b>32</b> having a first portion <b>47</b> and a second portion <b>49</b> and a bore <b>33</b> extending through the first portion and the second portion, the first portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit <b>22</b> in said bore, a gland nut <b>26</b> having internal threads <b>27</b> dimensioned for threaded engagement with first external threads <b>42</b> formed in the first portion, a gland ring <b>28</b> dimensioned for contact with the gland nut so as to secure the gland nut and the first portion of the connector body to the conduit when the conduit is inserted into the first portion, a co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* dimensioned for contact with the first portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the conduit when the conduit is inserted into the first portion, said co-molded sealing ring having a first region <b>70</b>, a second region <b>71</b> and a third region <b>72</b>, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a first sloping surface <b>69</b> dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder <b>53</b> in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a third sloping surface <b>77</b> dimensioned to contact an inner surface <b>78</b> of the first portion of the connector body, wherein a first segment <b>100</b> of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>), is at least partially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>), and wherein a second segment <b>102</b> of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface <b>43</b> positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by the gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface <b>76</b>, <b>76</b>′ respectively, dimensioned to contact an outer surface <b>23</b> of a conduit <b>22</b> positioned within said bore of the connector body; whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state without the use of a stop seal between the conduit and a conduit stop <b>44</b>, wherein the connector body has an outer flange <b>41</b> and wherein the second portion of the connector body is dimensioned for receipt of a knockout gasket <b>34</b>, the second portion having second external threads <b>37</b> dimensioned for receipt of a locknut <b>36</b> for securing the knockout gasket positioned around a knockout hole <b>39</b> in an electrical enclosure <b>24</b> between said outer flange and the electrical enclosure, thereby forming a raintight seal therewith.

0088This raintight compression connector can have slopes for the first, second and third sloping surfaces the same as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>; namely, approximately 30 degrees for the first sloping surface <b>69</b> relative to the lower surface <b>76</b> of the co-molded sealing ring, approximately 2 degrees for the second sloping surface <b>79</b> relative to the lower surface of the co-molded sealing ring, and approximately 10 degrees for the third sloping surface <b>77</b> relative to the lower surface of the co-molded sealing ring.

0089The raintight compression connector can also have an overall length <b>80</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> and wherein the first region <b>70</b>, second region <b>71</b> and third region <b>72</b> have a relative length of 6.5 percent, 70.2 percent and 23.3 percent respectively.

0090As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-10</figref>, a raintight compression coupler <b>20</b>* comprises a connector body <b>32</b> having a first portion <b>47</b> and a second portion <b>49</b> and a bore <b>33</b> extending through the first portion and the second portion, the first portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit <b>22</b> in said bore, the first portion having a first end <b>46</b> and a second end <b>48</b> and the second portion dimensioned for receipt of a conduit <b>22</b> in said bore, the second portion having a first end <b>58</b> and a second end <b>60</b>, a first gland nut <b>26</b> having internal threads <b>27</b> dimensioned for threaded engagement with first external threads <b>42</b> formed in the first portion at its first end, a first gland ring <b>28</b> dimensioned for contact with the first gland nut so as to secure the first gland nut and the first portion of the connector body to a first conduit when the first conduit is inserted into the first portion, a first co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* dimensioned for contact with the first portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the first conduit when the first conduit is inserted into the first portion, said first co-molded sealing ring having a first region <b>70</b>, a second region <b>71</b> and a third region <b>72</b>, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a sloping surface <b>69</b> dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder <b>53</b> in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a sloping surface <b>77</b> dimensioned to contact an inner surface <b>78</b> of the first portion of the connector body, wherein a first segment <b>100</b> of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is substantially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment <b>102</b> of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface <b>43</b> positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface <b>76</b>, <b>76</b>′ respectively, dimensioned to contact an outer surface <b>23</b> of a conduit <b>22</b> positioned within said bore of the connector body, whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state, and a second gland nut having internal threads dimensioned for threaded engagement with second external threads formed in the second portion at its first end, a second gland ring dimensioned for contact with the second gland nut so as to secure the second gland nut and the second portion of the connector body to the second conduit when the second conduit is inserted into the second portion, and a second co-molded sealing ring dimensioned for contact with the second portion of the connector body so as to make sealing contact with the second conduit when the second conduit is inserted into the second portion, said second co-molded sealing ring having a first, second and third region, the second region formed between the first and third regions, the first region having a sloping surface dimensioned to contact a recess shoulder in the bore of the first portion of the connector body and the third region having a sloping surface <b>69</b> dimensioned to contact an inner surface <b>78</b> of the second portion of the connector body wherein a first segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising the first region and a portion of the second region, is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material so that a space formed between the first segment and the inner surface of the connector body adjacent said recess shoulder when the co-molded sealing ring is in an uncompressed state, is at least partially filled by the first segment when the co-molded sealing ring is in a compressed state, and wherein a second segment of the co-molded sealing ring, comprising a remainder of said second region and said third region, is formed from a medium-density polyethylene material, said second segment having an end surface positioned away from the first segment, said end surface dimensioned for contact by a gland ring so as to urge the co-molded sealing ring into the compressed state, and further wherein the first and second segments each have a lower surface dimensioned to contact an outer surface of a conduit positioned within said bore of the connector body, whereby a raintight seal is established between the electrical fitting and the conduit when the sealing ring is in the compressed state.

0091The present invention is thus directed to a co-molded sealing ring <b>30</b>* for use with electrical fittings including raintight compression connectors and raintight compression couplers, as well as the corresponding raintight compression connector and raintight compression coupler incorporating the co-molded sealing ring.

0092While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.